Prior to the 1960's, gays and lesbians were seen in one stereotypical light and the theater never made an effort to get to know these characters on a deeper level. The 1960's "sexual revolution" enabled members of the theater to explore their own problems and experiences. Until 1975, this experimental genre of theater was kept underground, but now flamboyant productions were being put on for general audiences. Gay play writes had in mind while writing that they were writing for a gay audience; a place they could feel comfortable. Feminist theaters followed producing plays with lesbian leads. The AIDS epidemic made it more important to convey a strong message in plays rather than focus on the medium. This transition made it possible in the 1970's for characters like Milk and Moscone to feel more confident in presenting themselves to their community.